Editor’s Letter & Contents
Editor’s Letter
T
here have never been so many conflicting ideas on how to give children the best start in life. I’m a firm believer that however a child is raised, a loving environment is key. And what better way to create a compassionate home than teach your child to treat everyone with kindness, regardless of species?
It’s now easier than ever to raise a child vegan – generally there is greater access to good nutrition advice, and a better understanding of vegan motivations. But for those encountering hurdles, hopefully the positive stories in this issue will help you to feel more confident and empowered in your choices.
For this edition, I had the privilege of interviewing vegan children’s author Ruby Roth for our feature The ABCs of being kind (page 8). Also included is an article on a couple’s School food success (page 12), as well as a guide to the basics of vegan infant nutrition (page 33). We want the next generation to grow up in a more vegan world than we did – and with each step in the right direction, there is every reason to think that this will be the case. Please send your comments, suggestions and opinions to editor@vegansociety.com.
Contents 03
Achievements
08
Essential updates on Vegan Society news
highlights 06 Media The Vegan Society in the press ABCs of being kind 08 The An interview with author Ruby Roth
14
Recipes
21
Vegan nurseries
22
Reviews
24
Social media outreach
28
Active vegans
33
Nutrition
34
Sport
36
Shoparound
Vibrant cooking with Chef Day Radley
14
Infant education based on compassion
Our first B&B review
Growing a digital vegan community
Keeping up with our amazing volunteers
24
Advice for those caring for young vegans
We catch up with Vegan Runners UK
New vegan products to look out for Spring 2016 | The Vegan 1
Advocacy
School food success Loretta Pinna and Stephen Chapman’s campaign for vegan food
D
edicated ethical vegans Stephen and Loretta have raised their daughters, Freya and Jasmine Pinna-Chapman, vegan from birth. Finding a school for Freya, now aged six, which respected and upheld her rights was of great importance to both of them. The couple were happy to find a nursery local to them in Chester in which the vegan headteacher ensured that all snacks, drinks, art materials and play equipment were replaced with vegan alternatives where necessary, at the school’s expense. At this stage, there was no meal to cater for as Freya attended for a half-day in the mornings. Gaining a place for Freya’s reception year, the headteacher arranged to ‘adapt and improvise around’ their present set menu to provide a vegan meal for Freya, promising an intention to collaborate with the local council to achieve a set menu including a vegan option. After this encouraging start, Stephen and Loretta were disappointed to find that this vegan menu option was not implemented. The report back from the council’s catering department implied that this would not be possible to do, because catering in this way to one vegan was not a cost viable or desirable option. By this point it was apparent to the family that they were significantly at a disadvantage to the rest of the pupils and their parents. They did not know in advance what Freya would be given to eat, her meals were not nutritionally assessed, balanced or professionally endorsed, and Freya was sometimes given the non-vegan option minus the animal products instead of a complete meal. Unhappy with the situation, and unable to improve it through dialogue with the school, Loretta and Stephen approached their local council directly. They were able to secure a meeting between themselves, the headteacher, and three members of the council involved in menu development and catering.
12 The Vegan | Summer 2016
It became clear that the council viewed veganism as a dietary preference, and were unaware of its status as a legally protected belief. Resolving this issue was the turning-point for better provision for Freya. With Loretta and Stephen’s advice, the framework for a set four-week menu option began to take form. Once created, the school sent out a letter to parents informing them that there would be a vegan option on the daily menu. Stephen says, “Since then, despite a few teething issues, we as a family representing our philosophy are pleased to have succeeded in what we set out to achieve.” A few weeks after this, Stephen and Loretta were invited to have lunch at the school along with the headteacher, the chair of governors and the local Labour MP Chris Matheson, to celebrate this pioneering local joint effort. Chris Matheson agreed that it was very positive and said that he would be glad to be taking this good news to his colleague Kerry McCarthy, vegan MP, to raise in the Commons lauding its progressive nature. Stephen says, “And finally to our great personal pleasure, Freya returns home from school practically every day with a proud report of how many children were, ‘in my vegan line today!’” If you are struggling to achieve vegan school meals for your child, email advocacy@vegansociety.com.
The whole family were delighted with their triumph
Recipes
16 The Vegan | Summer 2016
Education
Bodhi Tree Nursery Education guided by a compassionate understanding of nature
I
can still recall vividly, more than two decades ago, watching a room of schoolchildren excitedly celebrating their love of nonhuman animals. Jane Goodall, visiting the children to promote her message of hope for the future, used mime and mimicry, hoots and howls to fire the youngsters into a shining display of joy, appreciation and understanding of the natural world. This memory still strikes me as an example of the potential power of education to kindle a kind of learning that glows with real hope. For vegan parents, the warm guiding light of this inspirational and enlightened form of education may seem like a dream ideal in the modern education system. The concerns for vegan parents are many, from the food choices available in canteens to perceptions of life that are formed by mainstream curricula. Navigating the road of UK education with a vegan moral compass in hand may feel like an exceptionally difficult task, but clearly there is a way when the will is there. Bodhi Tree Nursery is a vegan Montessori preschool in Kilburn, north London. The teaching and activities at the school are carefully guided by a compassionate understanding of nature. Teachers Giulia and Avital explained to me that it is the caring ethos that exists at the nursery that proves so alluring to parents. Vegan meals are prepared and cooked freshly each day. The youngsters are often involved in food preparation, cutting herbs with scissors and helping to make ice-lollies from juice. Papayas and coconuts are explored by young inquisitive
hands, encouraging a tactile link between eater and eaten. The nursery sometimes gives the learners takeaways that provide parents with the opportunity to taste the delicious creations of the Bodhi Tree kitchen. Some parents have been so impressed with the results that they have removed animal products from their own diets. Frequent outings in nature encourages a tangible connectedness with the natural world. Staff teach the children to observe animals with a quiet respect, and ask questions designed to engender thoughtfulness and empathy. Questions sometimes arise from curious infant minds about the nature and purpose of London Zoo. Giulia and Avital reply to such queries by asking young learners how they would personally feel to be held captive, and then leading discussions on alternative ways to learn. Bodhi Tree Nursery embodies the kind of educational project that vegan parents can look to with assurance. The compassion that is encouraged by ethical teaching programmes and methods represents a vision of what a vegan education can offer to young kids whose minds are in the process of being formed. We know how important it is to nurture a moral worldview and healthy habits in young children, who are just setting out on their life path in an increasingly complex and confusing modern world. Vegan nurseries can provide a safe and enlightening study space, and are a great step to a more compassionate world. By Mike Murphy
Summer 2016 | The Vegan 21
Buy Online
Buy Online New Books The Great Vegan Grains Book by Celine Steen and Tamasin Noyes (paperback) RRP £14.99 – Our Price £11.99 Whole grains are a great source of protein, making them a valuable part of any plant-based diet. The Great Vegan Grains Book takes you through the myriad grains available today, and provides you with more than 100 delicious and easy plant-based, whole-grain recipes (many of them low-fat, soy free, and gluten-free). The Chakra Kitchen by Sarah Wilkinson (paperback) RRP £14.99 – Our Price £11.99 Sarah Wilkinson is an intuitive healer and founder of Chakra Cakes and The Chakra Kitchen. She creates recipes using only the finest fresh, vegan and organic ingredients. Working with the body’s seven chakras (energy centres) is an ancient practice to help attain optimal health and wellbeing. The New Vegan by Áine Carlin (paperback) RRP £14.99 – Our Price £12.99 Going vegan can be a daunting prospect. In her new book, top vegan author Áine Carlin guides you through the process of adopting a vegan lifestyle, with tips on what to tell people about your new diet, what you can eat at a restaurant, dealing with cravings and her take on veganfriendly fashion.
Vegan Passport The new Vegan Passport app will be available from 1 May, with the book available to buy from the summer.
The Complete Guide to Even More Food Substitutions by Joni Marie Newman and Celine Steen (paperback) RRP £12.99 – Our Price £10.99 This expert vegan author team are back to provide vegans with an extremely informative and resourceful guide that will increase readers’ confidence in the kitchen and help them create fantastic vegan meals. Superfoods 24/7 by Jessica Nadel (paperback) RRP £14.99 – Our Price £11.99 Nutritional information, clever techniques and over 100 recipes for building different superfoods into your diet until you find yourself getting your superfood boost at every meal of the day. We all know superfoods are exceptionally good for you, but who would have thought they could be so much fun?
26 The Vegan | Summer 2016
Offer Buy any of these books between 1 May and 31 July and receive 10% off by simply entering the code SUMMERBOOKS2016 at checkout. Please note that this offer only applies to purchases made through vegansociety.com/shop.
Volunteers
Active Vegans Alex Douglas, Volunteering & Engagement Manager So many groups and individuals across the country are engaging in outreach – there are more of you getting in touch each month! It’s also great to read more from Teen VGN in this issue. I had such an inspiring time being a Camp Leader for them last year, and am so thrilled to have been asked back again. The young vegans that I spent that week with really are the future of veganism, and I can’t wait to see even more young people attend the camp this year. Let me know what you’ve been up to by emailing volunteer@vegansociety.com.
Veggies UK tour Veggies have so far planned 37 events for its 2016 tour, and are pleased to continue to be a voice for The Vegan Society in Nottingham and beyond. Recently I joined staff members Andrea, Terri and Amanda at a Catering for All workshop in London. The seminar also included a testimonial video to which Cathy, one of the founders of Veggies, contributed. We are also celebrating the fact that Sneinton Vegan Market in Nottingham is now taking place on the first Saturday of every month. Sneinton Vegan Market is an established event to regularly celebrate and showcase great tasting vegan food and drink. The event regularly features five or more fully vegan caterers plus over a dozen other vegan stalls, crafts, animal rescues and other products and services. Visit veggies.org.uk/event/ sneinton-vegan-market. Pat, contact for Nottingham
Shopshire outreach events Shropshire Veg*ns organised two events last year to raise money for The Vegan Society. The Ludlow Green Festival was an opportunity to spread the word about how being serious about saving the environment means changing your diet too. We handed out leaflets about veganism, and
28 The Vegan | Summer 2016
sold items such as recipe books to raise funds for The Vegan Society. My two children – both lifelong vegans – helped me to run the stall. The End of Summer Party was a celebration for families who belong to the Shropshire Veg*ns Group. We had family activities such as a bouncy castle, face paints and henna, as well as food, drinks and fundraising. As a group we have two big events in the year – our Cruelty Free Christmas Fair in December and another vegan fair in the summer. This year, there will be a vegan food fair to be held on 25 June as a fringe event of the Shropshire Food Festival. At these events we always have an information stand, usually with vegan books and leaflets, and an honesty box raising funds for The Vegan Society. Michelle D’Arcy, contact for Shropshire
Educating students I asked The Vegan Society if they’d be able to recommend a speaker to talk to City and Islington College London students about veganism, and Dr Michael Hooper was recommended. He attended on two different dates, and both times the students listened attentively and asked plenty of questions. In total the talks were attended by 43 students and were a great success. A big thank you for finding such a good speaker for us. I can’t recommend him enough! Diana Newman
Norwich Vegans expand Our Pizza and Quiz night to celebrate World Vegan Month was a huge success with almost 50 people enjoying creating their own pizza along with the vegan-themed quiz. We are planning another themed evening in June, plus another BBQ in August as last year’s was so popular. The group seems to be growing at such a rate with another 12 new people at the February meeting added to the 21 new people who came along in January! This year, amongst other things, we are planning to hire a vegan outreach stall in Norwich city centre. I have booked four slots spread through the year to promote veganism with leafleting, petition signing and free food samples. Penny Franiel, Contact for Norwich Vegans
Nutrition
Raising vegans Research strongly supports vegan nutrition for babies and children
Y
our diet during pregnancy, and your infant’s diet, can help protect your child’s health into adulthood. It is therefore of utmost importance that during pregnancy you and your baby are provided with good nutrition. Of course, you knew that already. Perhaps what you don’t know is that research strongly supports vegan nutrition for babies and children. The BDA (British Dietetic Association) state that well-planned plant-based diets can support healthy lifestyles at every age and life-stage, including pregnancy and infancy. Whether you’re planning to have or adopt a baby, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or feeding growing infants and older children – there is a healthy plant-based diet for you.
Handy hints for feeding young vegans • Breast milk or infant formula should be a major part of your child’s nutrition until at least age one. • Breast milk banks such as Eats on Feets and Human Milk 4 Human Babies can help if you want to feed your child breast milk but are unable to produce it yourself. • Use more soya bean oil or rapeseed (canola) oil, and less sunflower, safflower or corn oils. The former help encourage the production of fatty acids that are important for the development of the brain and vision. • Do not allow infants to fill up on liquids before mealtimes. • Spread bread with avocado, or seed/nut butters to increase calories.
• Well-cooked and mashed pulses (e.g. lentils, mung beans and chickpeas) provide energy and protein. It is important to strain them through a sieve to get rid of the skins, so that children can better digest them. • Choose calcium-fortified tofu (also rich in protein), which can be served mashed or as finger food. • Make sure children have regular access to sun exposure (being careful to avoid the risk of burning), otherwise provide vitamin D supplements. • Use non-dairy milks that are fortified with calcium, vitamin D2 and vitamin B12. • Green vegetables are an excellent source of iron, calcium and antioxidants. If your child isn’t keen on them, try blending them into a tomato based pasta sauce, or including in juices or smoothies.
Expert recommendation Sandra Hood is the official representative for plant-based diets at the BDA, and the author of Feeding Your Vegan Infant with Confidence. She says, “Raising a child on a vegan diet enables parents or carers to discuss with a young one where food comes from, instil an appreciation of and respect for food, and make eating a happy experience. All parents want to give their child the best start in life, and increasing evidence demonstrates the health benefits of a plantbased diet. Such diets are lower in saturated fat and salt and higher in fibre than conventional diets. Studies have shown that a balanced vegan diet can provide all the nutrients necessary for a healthy life.” Summer 2016 | The Vegan 33
Sport
Vegan Runners From new joggers to seasoned marathoners, this club is open to every vegan with a pair of trainers
H
ow can you promote veganism to literally thousands of people, without saying a word? Simple, you don your Vegan Runners kit and run! Whether you run fast or slow, the distinctive eye-catching brand name clearly conveys the positive message that vegans can be every bit as fit and healthy as anyone else, and as we know, often far more so. This is exactly what Vegan Runners have been doing for the past 12 years, in everincreasing numbers, right across the country and far beyond. Formed in July 2004, the Vegan Runners club exists to promote veganism through sport, and provide a supportive community for vegan runners.
Picking up the pace The VRUK club has grown to become one of the largest running clubs in the country, with a growing membership extending from Scotland to the Channel Islands. Ability ranges from complete beginners through to the likes of an International 34 The Vegan | Summer 2016
Fell Runner (Helen Fines) and a World Elite level marathoner with world records to her name (Fiona Oakes), along with many others. The distances run by members range from under 5ks through to ultra-marathons in the hundreds of miles, run over several days. Many endurance runners worldwide are now vegan and we can boast some members who are also part of the revered ‘100 Marathon’ club! However, the club is not all about elite performance. Vegan Runners prides itself on being welcoming and supportive to vegans of all abilities, and providing a positive and friendly atmosphere for people to socialise and improve. Caroline Gabriel (Betsworth) from Worthing says “I’ve only been running since May 2015. I was too shy to join initially due to being an older and very much slower runner. Encouragement from members initially helped me overcome my shyness, so I joined and have never looked back. The Brighton group of Vegan Runners are very friendly and supportive, and make running fun. A bonus is I’m getting faster!” Caroline has improved enormously and is now in training for her first marathon.
Shoparound
Give Kitchen Meals Delivery Service Fancy some tasty, nutritious, vegan meals delivered direct to your door? Give Kitchen have made this a reality, reimagining the concept of ‘meals on wheels’ with their fresh vegan meal delivery service based in Liverpool. Offering different types of boxes, their nutrition experts have developed menus that aim to provide balanced, healthy meals to meet your needs. The reusable microwavable boxes keep the ingredients fresh as they are delivered around the UK. To learn about Give Kitchen’s ethos, their mission statement and their meal boxes visit givekitchen.com.
Shoparound Shop with confidence for products registered with our trusted Vegan Trademark
Coyo Salted Caramel Yoghurt Is there any flavour more indulgently rich than salted caramel? If so, we haven’t heard of it. Combine it with your favourite coconut milk yoghurt and you’ve got a delicious, healthy dessert or snack. Featuring one whole coconut per 100g of yoghurt, Coyo dairy-free yoghurts harness the health benefits of coconut without an overpowering coconut taste. We love adding a few teaspoons to our granola, using it as a dip for fruit kebabs and eating a whole pot whilst binge-watching our favourite TV series. For recipes and stockists, visit coyo.co.uk.
36 The Vegan | Summer 2016
TREPADORA Papaya Slip Taming Potion The sun has a habit of damaging our hair, drying it out, bleaching the colour and leaving it dull and frizzy. Over the summer months a little bit of TLC for your hair can go a long way, and Vegan Trademark holders TREPADORA are here to help. With a South American inspired hair care range, their products are perfectly formulated to pamper curly, wavy and tightly spiralled hair. The concoction smells amazing and easily enhances curls and waves with heaps of volume and shine. See the entire range at trepadora.com.
Shoparound
Sevenhills Wholefoods Extra Virgin Raw Coconut Oil Coconut oil has boomed in popularity in recent years, and rightfully so. With its many uses, coconut oil should be a staple for every kitchen, bathroom and beauty collection. A vitamin-rich oil that you can fry your breakfast in, brush your teeth with, smooth into your skin and remove makeup with at the end of the day … sign us up! Luckily Vegan Trademark holder Sevenhills Wholefoods offer the stuff in 500ml jars, with no binders, fillers or preservatives. To see the whole range of products, visit sevenhillswholefoods.com.
Vertese® Vegan Supplements Food supplements brand Vertese® have recently launched eight new products tailored especially to support vegetarian, vegan and free-from diets. The range is registered with the Vegan Trademark, and each product contains key nutrients from natural sources such as organic mushroom, algal oil, seaweed, fruit extracts and plants encased in a veganfriendly capsule. With food supplements designed to help you boost your intake of specific vitamins and minerals and a range of well-rounded combination supplements, there is a Vertese® product for everybody. Available from nutricentre.com, or visit vertese.com for details of other stockists.
Protein Pow All Purpose Pea Protein Cooking Mix Protein Pow have formulated a vegan protein-rich cooking mix that will give you your protein fix without compromising on flavour. With a gluten-free formula, the All Purpose Pea Protein Cooking Mix was created to be used in all of your homemade vegan treats, from pancakes to chocolates, truffles, cookies and more. With no artificial flavourings or sweeteners, the pea protein powder has a hint of coconut sugar and Madagascan vanilla to keep your treats sweet. Explore recipes and discover stockists at proteinpow.com.
Summer 2016 | The Vegan 37
Your Views
Your views Why did you become vegan? I was horrified at video footage of the dairy and egg industries, and knew I did not want to be a part of that. Kate Popplewell After being a vegetarian for 24 years, realising the cruelty involved in the dairy industry, I decided to follow my husband and become vegan. Jean Wallbank I am vegan from birth. Emily Liddle
Why did you join The Vegan Society? When becoming vegan I did some research and found the 30 Day Vegan Pledge. I decided that after the 30 days it had been so helpful, and I had learnt so much, that I should join The Vegan Society for good. Saoirse Henson The Vegan Society helped me become vegan; now I support them so they can help you. Dr. Adam Sandell To keep up to date with what’s new in vegan life, and to enjoy being a part of something that feels so right. Linda Robinson It is lovely to know I am a part of a larger network of likeminded, benevolent individuals. Charlie Guy To encourage others to become vegan in a much shorter timescale. Richard Ross I joined The Vegan Society because I believe that we are stronger together. Pam Gedzielweski To get healthier as I will be 60 this year. Denise Hatcher To speak even louder for the sake of animals. Macha Krgovic 40 The Vegan | Summer 2016
Have your say! Write Donald Watson House, 21 Hylton Street, Birmingham, B18 6HJ Email editor@vegansociety.com Facebook /TheVeganSociety Twitter @TheVeganSociety Comments may be edited for publication.
Membership
New membership fee structure Our latest member survey showed that the main reason people join The Vegan Society is to support our work. Unfortunately, since membership prices were last raised, inflation has had a considerable effect on our own costs. For this reason, we have made the decision to raise our membership prices for the first time in 14 years. These changes will come into effect for anyone joining or renewing their memberships from 3 May.
• UK membership will be £3 per month. • Eco-membership will be £2 per month. • Additional household membership will be 75p per month. • Concessions will receive a discount of £6 per year. • Life Membership will now be £450, and eco-life membership will be £350.
We have worked to ensure that membership is still accessible to those who want to join, therefore concessions will still be available to full-time students, under 16s, and those with a household income less than £15,000 per year. Eco-membership is available for those who want to receive The Vegan and other communications electronically, enabling us to keep our mailing and printing costs low, as well as our carbon footprint. With our everexpanding Discount List, which entitles you to 10% off at Holland and Barrett and many other vegan-friendly companies, it’s now easier than ever to use your membership to save money.
Please note that you will still be able to pay annually if desired.
We have recently introduced a new membership database system which has proven to be very efficient, and allows us to process member payments by direct debit. If you sign up by direct debit this can save us time and resources, as well as giving you the option to pay monthly.
We have worked hard to improve the experience of our members and are continually adding new companies and products to our ever-growing Discount List. Members should also look out for our new Members Only section on our website, which will include member-exclusive content as well as the option to manage your membership preferences yourself. Thanks to your support, our staff has been able to almost double in the past three years. Our campaigns are now more ambitious than ever, and every day we are reaching new audiences, and encouraging people to go and stay vegan. We want to continue to improve, and to bring the vegan lifestyle to as many people as possible. With your help, we can achieve this together.
Summer 2016 | The Vegan 41
Local Contacts
Local Contacts Our Local and Group Contacts are on hand to provide support and advice to everyone in their area who requires it.
42 The Vegan | Summer 2016
Local Contacts
Summer 2016 | The Vegan 43
Local Contacts
44 The Vegan | Summer 2016